Orthodox Christianity, Vol. 4 : Worship and Liturgical Life

Quick Overview

This is the fourth volume of a detailed and systematic exposition of the history, canonical structure, doctrine, moral and social teaching, liturgical services, and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. The purpose of this series is to present Orthodox Christianity as an integrated theological and liturgical system, in which all elements are interconnected. Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev has authored numerous works on theology and church history, and is an internationally recognized composer of liturgical music. In the words of Patriarch Alexei II of blessed memory, “His many years of service to the mother church, his rich creative activity, and his broad perspective enable him to present the tradition of the “Orthodox Church in all its diversity.”

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This is the fourth volume of a detailed and systematic exposition of the history, canonical structure, doctrine, moral and social teaching, liturgical services, and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. The purpose of this series is to present Orthodox Christianity as an integrated theological and liturgical system, in which all elements are interconnected. “Orthodox worship is precious in that it provides the clear standard of Orthodoxy as a mode of thinking and a way of life” (p. XXX). This has been the law of the Church from ancient times: lex orandi, lex credendi, “the law of prayer is the law of faith.”
Volume One focused on the history and canonical structure of the Orthodox Church, Volume Two on the fundamental teachings of the Church, grounded in Scripture and Tradition, and Volume Three on the unique aspects of Orthodox art as expressed in its architecture, icons, and liturgical music. In Volume Four the history, structure, and meaning of the Church’s liturgical services—including the daily, weekly, yearly, and festal cycles—are explored and explained. Both beginners and experts can benefit from this thorough examination of Orthodox worship and liturgical life. In the services of the Church, heaven and earth meet. As St Vladimir’s envoys to Constantinople said, “We knew not whether we were in heaven or earth…. We only know that God dwells among men. We cannot forget that beauty.”